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It was a glamorous weekend when the Akwa Ibom sports community trooped out in large numbers in a novelty football match organised by the All Stars International in honour of the 9th Vice-Chancellor, University of Uyo, Prof. Christopher Nyong Ekong, an illustrious son from Uyo Local Government Area.

The significant event described by kinsmen as homecoming for the University Scholar with impact through decades of service in sports, made him a familiar name on the terraces long before his appointment by the Governing Council of the institution.

Held in the early hours of Saturday June 20, 2026, at the Uyo Township Stadium, Udo Umana, the honouree who doubles as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, performed the ceremonial kickoff to commence a highly anticipated game between the Former Akwa United players and the All Stars Football Team.

Speaking at the occasion, the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, hinted that the honour was well-deserving. He described Prof. Ekong as a well-known constituent who remains a member of the Akwa Ibom State sports family..

“Let me on behalf of the sports community congratulate the tear-rubber Vice-Chancellor. This is your family, this is your background. The sports community in Akwa Ibom State is quite lucky and privileged to have you as Vice- Chancellor. You have paid your dues deserving of this position. We needed to do this just to thank God on your behalf, and to celebrate you, whom we dearly love”, Elder Bassey stated.

In his speech while addressing the mammoth sports enthusiasts, the UNIUYO helmsman, who is a Professor of Monetary and Development Economics, Prof. Chris Ekong, extolled the team spirit of the organisers, saying that he belongs to the football community. He thanked them for the show of love, describing the match as “no victor, no vanquished,”

Ekong noted, that both teams deserved the rules of the game regardless of the scoreline. He commended the Commissioner and pledged collaboration with the Ministry of Sports to advance football in the state.

Highpoints included decoration of players, officials, and dignitaries with donation of footballs, jerseys, and kits by the philanthropist U.S.-based UNIUYO alumnus, Akprawa Etukad Ubon, whom he pointed that the gesture was mainly to support the Vice-Chancellor in his desire to grow soccer in the University system.

The game which ended 3:0 in favour of the former Akwa United Players, witnessed each team receiving the sum of ₦500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand) Naria donated by the honouree.

A vote of thanks was delivered by the President-General of AKS All Stars,, Mr. Innocent Akpaitang, who said the novelty match was symbolic, appreciating the Vice-Chancellor for giving them the necessary boost. He reminded participants that Prof. Ekong, is a former Commissioner for Sports, who held sway as chairman of Akwa United Football Club from 2003–2008.

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